The Early Baker

Every morning, long before the sun comes up, Tomas opens his small bakery. The streets are still dark and quiet. He mixes flour, water, and salt in a big bowl. Then he kneads the dough with his strong hands until it feels soft and warm. Tomas learned to bake from his father when he was a boy. Now he is fifty years old, and his hands know the work without thinking. He puts the bread in the hot oven and waits. Soon the whole street smells of fresh bread. When the shop opens, people come to buy. They smile and talk to Tomas. He knows almost everyone by name. An old woman buys the same roll every day. A little girl always asks for a sweet cake. Tomas is often tired, but he is happy. 'Bread brings people together,' he says. 'That is why I love my job.'